A discussion
came up about the how churches can and need to be involved in community
outreach. One of the statements was the reason for churches to do outreach is
to give the community a “taste” of what we believe, and how we worship, and to
answer any questions on why we do what we do what we do or why we DON’T do what
other churches do”. And I thought to
myself, sarcastically, “Yeah, those are the fun kind of questions”.
This is one
of my favorite quotes "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing
over and over and expecting different results."
Now this is
just my opinion, but I think fearlessness hasn’t been talked about enough
amongst Christians. What I mean by that is when a theology question is asked to
many Christians, we tend to do one of three things A. Compromise or B. Retreat.
or, C. Both
When we
compromise both parties leave with feeling, deep down, that nothing has changed
and the underlining question really hasn’t been answered. We do feel better
because we didn’t “step on toes” or “hurt feelings” or “dodged a bullet.” And in the end the truth has been watered
down or we have placed human emotion and logic in front of what the Bible says.
We also understand that our relationships with our friends and family who have different
beliefs have a boundary line of “things we can’t talk about.”
When we
retreat we give in and take on the role of being an apologist for things that
may not necessarily need an apology for. When we retreat we give more concern
for emotional side of the discussion and not trying to come to grips about why
the question is asked in the first place. Let me say in fairness that a retreat
can be strategic so that you can take some time to better prepare oneself for
another attempt, but how many times does that happen? I will write more about
this later. In the end we say things
like “Oh well it’s not a salvation issue” or “This is one of question that we
may never find an answer to.” Here’s my
favorite…”I’m going to ask the preacher that the next time I see him.” (Which,
by the way, is okay with me!)
I think that
these “Bermuda Triangles of Theology” questions have ultimately lead to more
harm than good. They are asked in order to gain the upper hand or to test tolerance
or to make one feel better about oneself. This is sad when you think about it; because it
discourages conversations with those who are real truth seekers, who are searching for spiritual answers, and
have chosen you to help them on their journey.
I have said
before that I treat those who are honestly looking for answers differently than
those who just like to argue. When I get into a discussion with a debater, I
put the burden of proof on them. For example: I want an atheist to prove to me
that there is no God instead of the other way around.
So when
facing those “fun” kinds of questions, is there another path to take other than
compromise or retreat?
I say YES! I need to be fearless and knowledgeable
enough to answer the questions.
In the presence of God and of Christ
Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and
his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and
out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful
instruction. For the time will come when
men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires,
they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their
itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and
turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NIV)
I also need
to be humble enough to know my limits and be willing to study up. So I can
answer it later or even better, study with that person so we both can discover
the truth! In this type of situation it is not an assumption that I am right;
on the contrary it is a desire to discover truth! Not right or wrong.
“But
whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is
more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider
them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a
righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through
faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want
to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing
in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain
to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV)
It is time
to be fearless! No more duck and cover, no more compromising on what the word
of GOD says. And definitely no more relying on just what you heard on Sunday as
the only thing you use when asked, why you believe what you believe or why we
do what we do or, why we DON’T do what other churches do. It’s time to study for yourself so you can be
ready.
Pray also for me, that whenever I
open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the
mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may
declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
It is time
to be fearless!
More on this
later…
Grace and
Peace
Blan
No comments:
Post a Comment